Driving Impaired in Arizona

Getting a DUI in Arizona can have major consequences, and being in the military can make matters even worse. Here is what you should know if you are convicted of driving under the influence in Arizona.

What are the Arizona DUI laws?

Under A.R.S. 28-1381, it is illegal to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle if you are impaired by any “intoxicating liquor, any drug, [or] a vapor releasing substance containing a toxic substance.” You cannot have a blood alcohol content of .08 or more within two hours of driving.

It is possible to get a DUI even if the engine is not on in the car. This is because the law states that just being in actual physical control of a vehicle while you are impaired is illegal. Several factors are looked at when it comes to deciding if a person was in actual physical control of a vehicle. A few of these factors are:

Where the vehicle is located,
Whether or not the person was sitting in the driver seat, and
Where the keys were located.

It is also important to remember that if a person is below .08 but over .05, other evidence can be looked at to determine whether or not that person is guilty or innocent. (A.R.S. 28-1381 (G) 2)) This is because the law states that you can be convicted of DUI if you are impaired to the slightest degree. (A.R.S. 28-1381(a)(1))

There are many factors that can affect how alcohol is metabolized in a person's body. A person’s weight, body fat percentage, medications taken, and how much food they have eaten prior to consuming alcohol are a few important factors. (http://dui.drivinglaws.org/drink-table.php)

What are the consequences of getting a DUI in Arizona?

Arizona is one of the strictest states in the nation for DUI violations. For a first time DUI a person can serve 10 days in jail. However, nine of those days may be suspended if a treatment program is completed. For a second DUI within 7 years, a person may serve 90 days in jail. If an alcohol treatment program is completed, 60 of the 90 days may be suspended. Along with mandatory jail time, if you are convicted of a DUI you will be fined a minimum of $1,250 and possibly community restitution. (A.R.S. 28-1321 I(1)-(5))

If you are convicted of a DUI you will lose your driver’s license for at least 90 days and it will not be reinstated until you complete alcohol or other drug screening. (A.R.S. 28-1321 B (1)-(2))

When you regain the use of your driver license you will be required to install an ignition interlock which requires you to blow into a mouthpiece before your vehicle is able to start. (A.R.S. 28-1321 I(6)) These devices have both a installation cost and a monthly maintenance fee.

If you refuse to take a blood, breath alcohol, or urine test you will automatically lose your license for one year. A second refusal within 7 years will result in the loss of a license for 2 years. (A.R.S. 28-1321 B)

If you are convicted of extreme or aggravated DUI, the fines and length of jail time are more severe. See A.R.S. 28-1382 and A.R.S. 28-1383 for more information.

What are the military consequences of a DUI?

911 Article 111 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice will govern if you are in the military and are caught drinking and driving on a military base. It states: “Any person subject to this chapter who operates any vehicle while drunk, or in a reckless or wanton manner, or while impaired by a substance described in section 9121(b) of this title (article 112a(b)), shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”

If you are in the military and are convicted of a DUI while not on a military base, you will face the same repercussions as a civilian, and you could receive additional repercussions from the military such as but not limited to:

a demotion,
a letter of reprimand,
revocation of pass privileges,
mandatory referral to a military substance abuse program, or
bar to reenlistment. (www.militaryonesource.mil)

What is Veterans’ Court?

Some cities offer Veterans’ Court to veterans who are charged with a DUI. If you are eligible for Veterans’ Court and complete the program, you will still be charged with a DUI, but the fines and jail time can be reduced. It is important to remember that statutory rules such as the minimum one day jail sentence are mandatory. Veterans who are VA eligible can receive help with the cost of the treatment program. Some courts are able to provide help through programs for veterans who are not VA eligible. Many veterans have found Veterans’ Court to be an invaluable experience that changed the course of their lives.

: 21 January 2022